New Urban Ministry Program Accepting Applicants

CHICAGO (February 16, 2012) – North Park Theological Seminary is accepting applications for a new two-year graduate educational program leading to a Certificate in Urban Ministry.

The 15-credit certificate program is intended for Christian ministers and lay leaders who want to learn more about engaging in effective ministry in urban settings.

The seminary’s location makes it an ideal place to pursue the certificate, says program director Soong-Chan Rah, who also serves as the Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at the seminary, having served as an urban pastor himself.

“Chicago is part of the classroom we’re offering,” he explains. “It is a center for community development, community organizing, for ethnic diversity, and with diverse neighborhoods.”

Urban pastors and lay workers could benefit greatly from the certificate program, Rah says. “We hope it will strengthen and undergird their urban ministry.” The program also can also introduce people to urban ministry.

Students who complete the program will earn 15 credit hours in just over two years. Plans call for the first cohort to meet August 13–17 in Chicago, followed by online coursework beginning in October. The cohort will meet in Chicago for another week in August 2013, followed by online coursework. A final week-long gathering in Chicago is planned for August 2014. Rah said an ideal size for the urban ministry cohort is about 15 to 20 people.

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted to the seminary by March 31, says E. Kirsten Burdick, director of seminary admissions. All applications will be considered at the same time in April, she said.

Click here to access the application form. Completed forms may be emailed to the seminary at semadmissions(at)northpark.edu or may be mailed to North Park Theological Seminary Admissions, Box 40, 3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60625-9972.